Manchester City take promising step with ‘Victim first’ policy

Manchester City has this week taken a ground breaking stand against historic sexual abuse at the club committed by Barry Bennell and John Broome.

They have announced the launch of a compensation scheme, funded by the club for victims of the offences these men committed.

Barry Bennell and John Broome were both involved in the club’s youth programme; Bennell from 1964 – 1971 and Broome for two 3 year periods between 1976 and 1984, during which time, they were both found to have abused youngsters in their care.

Manchester City has launched this compensation scheme, which has been described as the ‘Victim First’ policy with the aim of providing survivors with a resolution process. They say they hope this will provide survivors with an alternative to civil litigation proceedings – helping them to avoid “the costs, time, emotional distress and complexity of a trial”.

The club has also expressed that whilst their review into what happened historically is still ongoing, it is committed to doing the right thing by victims.

The Club are currently aware of approximately 40 survivors of abuse by these perpetrators and are urging any other victims to come forward by contacting safeatcity@cityfootball.com

“It is promising to see such a prominent and world renowned football club taking a stand against historical sexual abuse. Whilst Manchester City is the first football club to have introduced such a compensation scheme, it is hoped that this will urge other clubs to take a similar stance.

Whilst no amount of compensation will change what happened to these young players and what they have suffered, it is a way of providing an acknowledgement of what happened and recognition of what survivors have been through. The money can help with specialist treatment and rehabilitation as well. This scheme has to be positive step forward”.

If you are the survivor of physical, sexual or mental abuse and need advice on this scheme or other ways to claim compensation contact Victoria Price on 0161 615 5554 or Victoria.price@psg-law.co.uk. All initial consultations are free of charge. They are absolutely confidential.

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